Low-VOC or Waterborne Paint? Here’s the Latest News Part II
So what are these new mandates? Well, the EPA-mandated level of VOC’s allowed in paint such as the basecoat is 3-5 pounds per gallon. Paint manufacturers are saying that there is more than one way to skin this cat. They say the techniques formulators use to reduce solvents in low-VOC for the primers, basecoats and clear-coats is different for each. Some are relying on a handful of exempt solvents while others use resins to control the way paint responds while complying with the 3-5 VOC limit.
The new low-VOC solvent-borne products provides shop owners and PDR technicians an opportunity to experiment with new technologies while getting a better color match. Without too much commitment, you can purchase the product and substitute it for what you have been using and see if it is a good fit for you to make those changes now so that you are on-board later on down the road.
What about waterborne? I’m glad you asked. Waterborne has grown more sophisticated since the first generation system, introduced when California adopted the Clean Air Act regulations. However, this would be a good time to mention that not all waterborne systems are created equal. What they all have in common is water acting as the solvent.
Fortunately, shop owner’s and PDR technicians have more options than ever before when it comes to creating a ‘green’ environment. These options start with an assortment of low-VOC solvent-based and waterborne systems. Determining where the industry is going and how you can develop and generate a product that is safer and smarter, but most of all matches, is going to be the task at hand. What makes these products work and what you need to consider when converting are two fundamental questions you need answered.
